Juli Clover, MacRumors:

Apple today released a new 3E751 firmware update for the second-generation AirPods and the AirPods Pro, updating them from the prior 3A283 firmware that was released back in September.

I’ve long believed that there was no way to force an AirPods firmware update, that you had to just be patient and wait for Apple to decide you were worthy.

But from this AirBuddy support document:

• Connect the AirPods to your iPhone or iPad and listen to music or any other content for at least 30 seconds.
• Put the AirPods in the charging case and close the lid.
• Connect the AirPods charging case to power with a Lightning cable and wait 30 minutes. Keep your iPhone or iPad and the AirPods case nearby.
• After the 30 minutes, reconnect your AirPods to the iPhone or iPad and check the version in Bluetooth settings. If they haven’t updated, repeat the process.

There’s also instructions for the AirPods Max.

Live and learn.